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cparr89 t1_j296xt2 wrote

I found the only thing that works for me are the medicated shampoos. Selsun Blue Medicated worked the best on my hair. Neutrogena T-Gel works great too. Idk if you use any products like gel or hairspray, but I minimize the amount of product I put on my hair too.

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cteieury t1_j2c2eto wrote

Second selsun blue! I used this for a couple of months and haven’t had dandruff since (over a year ago)

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beholdtheskivvies t1_j299kh7 wrote

Nizoral shampoo, or anything with the active ingredient ketoconazole

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BitofaGreyArea t1_j29bkxt wrote

This was the one for me. I was doing EVERYTHING they said to do. Still had constant dandruff. Apparently, some people get like a fungus that makes them have excessive scalp skin cells, and this is the only type of shampoo that fixes it. Head and Shoulders, tea tree stuff, NONE of it helped. NONE.

I used this shampoo one time and it was like freaking black magic. Zero dandruff. All gone. Now I use it once maybe every two weeks. Zero dandruff. Freaking magic.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AINMFAC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

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slywalkerr t1_j29ioyv wrote

All I can say is thank you for this. I already know it will work because the annoying prescription cream I used to get did. Had no clue I could get it otc and as shampoo. You probably just changed my life

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BitofaGreyArea t1_j29ks2v wrote

Drop an update when you find out if it works!

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slywalkerr t1_j29oxfv wrote

Will do! It's coming tomorrow and then it'll start working after like 2-3 uses if it's like the cream

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here_for_the_meta t1_j2ceata wrote

Also rinse the shampoo out very thoroughly and avoid water that is too hot.

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Dracarys_Aspo t1_j2bbndn wrote

There's two main types of "dandruff", and they should be treated differently.

Real dandruff is actually a fungal issue, and it produces flakes that are slightly larger, often with a slight yellow tint, and they're usually kind of oily. If you scratch your scalp (which, please avoid doing as it doesn't help matters, but we've all been there so no judgement), you'll end up with oily flakes stuck under your finger nails more so than tiny white flakes "snowing" everywhere.

Dry scalp is often mistaken as dandruff due to the flakes, but it's just dry skin. The flakes are smaller, usually white without the yellow tint, and not oily to the touch. [the difference in the flakes is best seen in clean, dry hair without any product.]

Real dandruff is best treated with medicated shampoos. As someone else mentioned, shampoos with the active ingredient Ketoconazole often work very well. Zinv pyrithione is another common active ingredient to look for. With these it's best to shampoo thoroughly, and condition only the ends of your hair not the scalp. Avoid putting any leave in products on the scalp. If you already shampoo daily, continue doing so with the medicated shampoo. If you shampoo less often, I usually recommend shampooing more often for the first week, then going back to your normal routine (still with the medicated shampoo). Use the medicated shampoo until the flakes have gone completely, then you can switch back to your normal shampoo. These tend to be harsher than regular shampoos, so they're not great to use all the time without a direct need.

For a dry scalp, skip the dandruff shampoos. They're meant to help dry out the excess oils of real dandruff, so they can make a dry scalp worse. Instead use a gentle shampoo, thoroughly massage it in (helps break up existing flakes and helps with blood flow to the scalp), and rinse super thoroughly (massage while you rinse to make sure you get everything out). Use conditioner as usual, but also massage the scalp while rinsing it out. Leaving shampoo or conditioner on the scalp can cause irritation and dryness, so making sure to get everything rinsed thoroughly is important. If you shampoo daily, try to do it less often. Even switching to every other day will often help with dryness. If that's all not enough and you're still feeling dry and flaky, oiling your scalp can help. Apply a bit of oil to the scalp and massage it in, focusing on the dryest areas. Leave in for 10min - 1 hour, then shampoo and condition as normal. Coconut, jojoba, avocado, and olive oil are all good choices for this.

If you're still having issues, it might be something else, like psoriasis. When in doubt, see a doctor.

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[deleted] t1_j2972dy wrote

[deleted]

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Puzzleheaded-Beat-57 t1_j29f9ys wrote

They'll likely start with aspirin. As stated medicated shampoos totally work, but your noggin may respond differently depending on which active component included. I've had good luck with any of them containing salicylic acid

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Shizz-happens t1_j29vdgo wrote

Won’t the aspirin look like a big chunk of dandruff in your hair?

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Puzzleheaded-Beat-57 t1_j2a4alj wrote

Sorry Aspirin = Salicylic acid and is dissolvable by shampoo. Neutrogena makes a shampoo with SA at 3% and I believe 6%

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Sadimal t1_j2ajtym wrote

Depends on the cause and severity of the dandruff. Mine started with coal tar pre-treatment.

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blancaloma t1_j2a9a3x wrote

I was really impressed with how fast vinegar knocked mine out. After shampooing I'd pour some on my head and massage my scalp (no fingernails, folks, just fingertips) and rinse before using conditioner.

I thought it'd be easier to have the vinegar in a spray bottle, but nope. So acidic it are the plastic tubing.

It took maybe 8 occasions of hair washing over weeks. Never had it again.

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RegularMidwestGuy t1_j2c5k3a wrote

I swear vinegar is some magic elixir shit.

Clothes stink? Clothes not soft? Coffee pot taste funny? Dandruff? Impotence?

It just does it all

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CommercialThis4987 t1_j2aeeie wrote

Depends what is causing the dandruff. You need to see a dermatologist. If seborrheic dermatitis, ketoconazole shampoo works really well.

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Walauyavishum t1_j29a24y wrote

This might be a wive's tale but they say aloe vera helps a lot.

I have a mild dandruff condition and I use Head and Sh (menthol scent or something) shampoo regularly, and it helps a lot.

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flanders1979 t1_j29kblr wrote

Shampoo with added coal tar

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dbptwg t1_j2a3zri wrote

Coal tar is what finally did it for me in my 30s. I thought my hair would never stop snowing.

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flanders1979 t1_j2as88z wrote

I discovered it a few months back. I was snowing every winter.

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mitchwithl t1_j2adqa5 wrote

The African black soap shampoo form Shea moisture worked the best for me nothing else worked

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mighty2019 t1_j2cgmv3 wrote

Same here.. came to recommend the African black soap.. you can buy it on Etsy..

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SGuard15 t1_j29zorm wrote

Was having bad break outs in my scalp this summer I think due to stress. Got it under control when I started using Nizoral.

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chai_latte69 t1_j29le2x wrote

There are different types of scalp flakes so it may not be dandruff.

I mix baking soda with my shampoo at time of application and it helps a lot. Not sure why.

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christiankristen t1_j2a6fpt wrote

Shampoos and conditioners with Tea Tree Oil. I worked at a hair salon and that’s what stylists recommended. Combine it with cold showers. Fungus thrives in heat.

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keepthetips t1_j296ko3 wrote

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.

If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.

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DisastrousCycle4747 t1_j2987z9 wrote

My stylist just did a tea tree oil and peppermint oil scalp treatment. Completely removed the flakes. She said you can do it at home, but I don’t know the ratios of the oils.

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Wilba9 t1_j29k3g7 wrote

Oh man, if only you could ask them. Be amazing.

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bottomtext_____ t1_j29eebu wrote

I’ve found that it really depends on the person, their lifestyle and the elements your scalp faces every day.

In terms of medicated shampoos, you basically have two options: 1) shampoos that slow down cell turn-over on your scalp so you have less dandruff (Selsun Blue, T-Gel) and 2) shampoos which contain a fungicidal medication that kills the accumulation of dandruff-producing fungus which has grown on your scalp thus far (Nizoral)

Option 1 typically works in the short term and is more affordable. However, option 2, I’ve found, is the only way to really nip my dandruff flare ups in the bud. However, it is much more expensive. I’d recommend investing and purchasing at Costco, if that’s an option for you.

Lastly, if this is a chronic problem, you may want to see a doctor and make sure you don’t have scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

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finance_buff t1_j29jlwc wrote

This LO’real anti dandruff shampoo. Dude, works like a charm. Single use at that.

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[deleted] t1_j29mdb3 wrote

I've found that lather, rinse, repeat has been pretty effective for flake control using regular ol' head and shoulders, the key element being repeat.

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Overall-Emphasis-745 t1_j29mtv2 wrote

DHS Zinc shampoo. Apply and let sit a few minutes. Works wonders.

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Ghost_Prince t1_j29o0y4 wrote

My fix was a ketoconazole shampoo once a week/two weeks with a selenium sulfide shampoo the rest of the time.

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Wineguy33 t1_j2a7508 wrote

Most people way over soap their hair and scalp which dries it out. Yes, even with dandruff soap. I use Grace of Me 2% zinc shampoo 3-4 times a week. Give a day or two of no shampoo a week for the natural oils on your scalp to stabilize. I also use a silicone scalp massager a few times a week when I wash my hair.

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gameyMeaty t1_j2a7veq wrote

You probably don’t have dandruff (go to a dermatologist to figure it out). Dandruff is caused my a combination of an oily scalp and a certain type of bacteria that interacts with the oils.

Dry scalp has the same side effects(ie skin flakes) There are a multitude of factors that can contribute: lack of hydration, general dry skin, showering habits, stress, allergies, climate, etc.

I also had a similar issue where oiling my hair didn’t work until I used scalp lotion after showering. The best thing is to oil your hair once or twice a week, then shower with a mild shampoo and use conditioner. Use the scalp lotion right after showering.

Search scalp lotion on Amazon. The brand for the one scalp lotion I use is called LivSo and has been working great for me.

I think the issue I was having was that my scalp was drying out really quick after a shower. I needed a lotion to rehydrate my scalp and not damp it down like hair oil would do.

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hepatitisF t1_j2aa637 wrote

I learned that dandruff is caused by your hair being wet all night. I showered at night and had horrible dandruff because the pillow retains the moisture and your hair stays wet all night. I switched to showering during the day and now it’s not an issue at all

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Medic7002 t1_j2actiq wrote

Was using dandruff shampoo for many many years. Finally figured out the medicated shampoo was perpetuating the dandruff condition. When I stopped using it completely my dandruff got worse for about 4-5 weeks then it went away entirely. Don’t put stuff on your scalp that “dries” it out.

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skunksmasher t1_j2aj4jk wrote

Change your shampoo and conditioner to more natural ones, will take a few weeks for your scalp to adjust.

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gracileghost t1_j2aozap wrote

sometimes you can have dandruff from too much oil, rather than a lack thereof. how often do you wash your scalp?

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jonnythunder3483 t1_j2ayrxf wrote

The plain ‘ol head & shoulders dandruff shampoo works wonders for me.

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blubbles1 t1_j2b46m5 wrote

Selsun Blue - active ingredient is selenium sulfide which helps removes dandruff

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projectile_poptart t1_j2bh809 wrote

After using basically every medicated shampoo under the sun, the BEST thing I’ve found is using conditioner on my scalp. All the medicated shampoos would dry my skin out even more, and soaking in oil was more of a short term bandaid

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whitmansgirl t1_j2bhw2u wrote

Put a couple of drops of tea tree oil in whatever oil you’re oiling your scalp with. Wash normally. Will show results within 2-3 washes. Works for me like a charm.

DO NOT apply tea tree oil directly. Always mix with a carrier oil. And that too only a couple of drops.

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Weebookey t1_j2bnl6t wrote

Sounds like Psoriasis, have you seen a professional if it is?

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mochinso t1_j2bxm6z wrote

The head and shoulder shampoo in the dark blue bottle. Been using it for years now. Haven't had dandruff ever since.

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Baxtfred t1_j2c06zo wrote

I use head and shoulders. The trick to mine was not washing my hair every night. I give it every other night. You may need to find a balance. I’ve also noticed if I take a really hot shower it dries my skin out more than just a warm shower.

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InflationBest3950 t1_j2cw10s wrote

There are head and shoulder shampoo bottles dedicated to dandruff. Wet hair, Apply shampoo, scrub with fingertips (not scratching, also open hand like spider legs), rise.

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Trevenus t1_j2d2t00 wrote

wash ur hair everyday with shampoo (that has protein) and twice a week use a really strong dandruff shampoo or over the night scalp treatment. These usually contain salicylic acid and ketoconazole.

Here are the one's I use. Noskruf lotion - twice a week (apply on scalp overnight and wash in the morning) Trigaine shampoo - Everyday

Also use a conditioner everyday to keep your hair from getting stiff.

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ymmotvomit t1_j2dcbu0 wrote

Consume good quality omega oils.

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billybobsparlour t1_j2di7al wrote

System Professional scalp treatment worked for me!

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RevivedMisanthropy t1_j2dj68e wrote

I’ve had great luck with L’Oreal Sensi Balance. You can get it on Amazon and it doesn’t smell / behave like a medicated shampoo. Been using it for years. Rub into your scalp and leave it while you do all your other stuff in the shower, then rinse.

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lexarific t1_j2dvtf6 wrote

Medicated dandruff shampoo never worked for me, but medicated PSORIASIS shampoo has changed my life. My favorite is Dermarest but anything with Salicylic acid as the main ingredient works for me.

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ItsChitznGiggles t1_j2979ws wrote

Some hair quizzes may help, it really depends on hair type and dandruff type.

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el-em-en-o t1_j29gfs7 wrote

This! I struggled with dandruff for a few years until I realized there were different kinds that required different treatments. For me, a very gentle rinse of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar worked. Because I really wanted to focus the mixture on my scalp, I bought a cheap plastic bottle with a pointy end. In the shower, I rinsed my hair with only water first. Then I squirted the liquid on my scalp while gently massaging at the same time. I didn’t spend a ton of time but I was thorough (and I did turn off the shower so I didn’t feel rushed plus water shortages).

I left it on my scalp for a few minutes while I finished showering. Then rinsed it out and gently, shampooed and conditioned like normal. I do recall that some shampoos made it worse so you may need to switch products.

The smell is strong while you’re doing it but I didn’t notice it the rest of the day.

I keep emphasizing being gentle because, depending on how hard you’ve been scratching your head, you may have some sore spots and you want to promote healing now. I’ve never had to do this treatment more than once a week for a 2-3 weeks but I may have been lucky. Worked like a charm. (I also don’t wash my hair every day so it might be different for you. More washing meant more dandruff in my case so I backed off a little and managed to still look and smell clean for work.) Do not use this rinse more than once a week. You don’t want to create new dryness problems while trying to resolve the dandruff.

I tried all the shampoos—natural with tea tree oil and chemical like Neutrogena, plus others. They managed some of the flakiness and the itchiness for the first part of the day but by evening, the itchiness was torturing me again. Once I figured out what kind of dandruff I had, apple cider vinegar and water worked perfectly.

Good luck! This can be so bothersome. I feel you!

(Also disclaimer to check with your doctor before doing anything. They can also prescribe stronger shampoos but I was looking for something less strong but effective, if that makes sense.)

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